Record enrollment continues at the University of Cincinnati

Record enrollment continues at the University of Cincinnati

First-year students, growth at Blue Ash and interest in the College Credit Plus Program power growth

The University of Cincinnati recorded its largest enrollment ever, with the official fall 2026 headcount reaching 54,437 students.

The figure represents a 1.4% increase over last year's enrollment, or 755 additional students. "UC is among a select number of schools in the country that have experienced continual growth for more than a decade," said Jack Miner, vice provost for enrollment management.

Record first-year and undergraduate enrollment across UC campuses

New first-year student enrollment increased 10.6% to 9,566 students across three UC campuses - Uptown, UC Blue Ash and UC Clermont. Undergraduate enrollment increased 3.9% to 44,207 students.

First-generation students - the first in their families to attend college - account for more than 30% of all undergraduates, or 13,607 students.

Jack Miner, vice provost for enrollment management

Students at the Donald P. Klekamp College of Law at UC listen to a lecture from Professor Ryan Thoreson about tort law. Photo/Connor Boyle/UC Marketing + Brand.

Growth at UC Blue Ash and across key UC colleges

Overall, enrollment at UC Blue Ash increased 3.7% to 5,074 students. On the Uptown campus, the College of Allied Health Sciences increased enrollment 3% to 3,552 students, while the College of Arts and Sciences saw enrollment increase 1.5% to 8,581 students.

The Donald P. Klekamp College of Law posted its largest enrollment in a decade, with 514 students, an increase of 5.5%. Enrollment in the College-Conservatory of Music increased 2% to 1,404 students.

Other notable gains included an increase in new first-year students in the College of Nursing, where enrollment rose 32% to 371 students. New first-year enrollment in the College of Allied Health Sciences increased 23.1% to 608 students.

UC students celebrated the first opening game for Fall 2026 with tailgating activities in Sigma Sigma Commons. Photo/Jenna Adkins-Manuel/UC Marketing + Brand.

Record College Credit Plus participation expands UC's reach into Ohio schools

UC is also welcoming a record number of students in the College Credit Plus program, which allows middle school and high school students to take college-level courses and earn both high school and college credit. College Credit Plus enrollment reached 4,053 students, an increase of 27.9%.

Miner said he is pleased with UC's investment in Ohio students through the rollout of the Bearcats Affordability Grant.

The grant offers tuition-free college for students from families earning less than $75,000 per year. The Bearcats Affordability Grant covers the remaining cost of tuition for Ohio residents who are Pell-eligible.

"This has resulted in nearly a 10% growth in students from Ohio choosing UC," Miner said. "In fact, more than three-fourths of our freshman class is from Ohio, and another 15% are from Kentucky and Indiana. Students from Ohio and the tri-state are realizing that UC is a world-class university right in their own backyard."

Among first-year students, UC enrolled 7,352 from Ohio, 631 from Kentucky and 817 from Indiana.

"The Bearcats Affordability Grant, combined with UC's co-op program, makes UC one of the most affordable and accessible college choices out there," Miner added.

Thousands of fans at Nippert Stadium watch the Cincinnati Bearcats defeat Boston College 34-15 in the 2026 season opener. Photo/Jenna Adkins-Manuel/UC Marketing + Brand.

Featured top image of tailgate activities for UC football's season opener against Boston College. UC cheerleaders, the marching band and fan celebrate the start of the season. Photo/Jenna Adkins-Manuel/UC Marketing + Brand.

Begin your Bearcats journey

Whether you're a first-generation student or from a family of Bearcats, UC is proud to support you at every step along your journey. We want to make sure you succeed - and feel right at home.

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